Garmon welcomed home for holiday

By Donna Thornton/News Editor Students at Carlisle Elementary School held a sign reading “You’re our Hero” as they waited at the school’s track for a parade of law enforcement vehicles, the Patriot Riders and Corey Garmon and his family to drive around and wave to them. Most of the people Sardis City seemed to agree with the hero part. Garmon made his first visit home to Sardis City since he was seriously injured in Afghanistan July 11. Garmon and family members flew home from Maryland, where he’s been treated and in rehabilitation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.This visit home will mark the first time Garmon’s family have been together under one roof, in the same state, his father Chris Garmon said, since July. After flying into Huntsville, Garmon and family were escorted toward Sardis City, and were met with supporters stopping to watch the entourage in many areas it passed. After driving around the track at Carlisle – where students were waiting outside for well over 30 minutes – the line of vehicles went to Whitesboro Elementary, then Sardis High School, then on to the Sardis City Senior Activity Center. Garmon spoke to those gathered at the center, thanking all those who have supported him and his family. “This is great,” Garmon said. “Today’s been a special day. I really didn’t expect this at all. I just expected close friends and finger foods, then heading back to the house to play Xbox or something,” Garmon said. “I just want to thank everyone for their support and their prayers. “Yeah, I got hit,’ Garmon said. “But I made it back and that’s all that counts.” Garnon sustained injuries to his arm and hand, and lost both legs. Garmon also thanked those who’ve helped provide the financial support than has allowed members of his family to be with him at the hospital. “I needed them,” he said. “When you have your family there behind you, and your friends, you give a little bit more, and I did.” At the senior center, State Rep. Becky Nordgren presented Garmon with an Alabama flag, a gift from the Alabama Legislature. The Boaz Veterans of Foreign Wars Post presented Garmon with a lifetime membership to the VFW. State Rep. Craig Ford presented Garmon with a resolution passed by the state legislature honoring him for his service and his sacrifice. “This is probably one of the greatest honors for me,” Ford said to Garmon, “to stand before you.”